NIL Car Deals in College Sports

One exciting aspect of NIL is the ability for athletes to secure car deals, wherein they receive actual vehicles as compensation. However, these deals involve complexities such as leases, insurance, and liability. Whether you are an athlete, agent, or parent, it is essential to understand the workings of these car deals. In this article, we explore the basics of NIL car deals and provide six examples that have set the tone for future unique agreements.

NIL Car Deals: The Logistics Unveiled

While each NIL car deal is unique in its specifics, we have delved into the common structure of these agreements. Typically, athletes do not receive cars outright; instead, they are leased. The leases themselves are highly lucrative and offer advantages beyond mileage limitations. Athletes often enjoy the freedom to use the vehicle extensively, and some dealerships even allow them to trade cars for greater flexibility. Moreover, partnering dealerships may provide additional perks such as free car washes and maintenance. However, athletes are responsible for their own insurance and liability requirements, as state laws usually require drivers to obtain their own coverage.

Examples of NIL Car Deals:

1. Bijan Robinson – University of Texas Football Partner: Lamborghini of Austin (May 2022)

   Terms: Free lease until completion of Bijan's time at the University of Texas

   Additional Details: No information on free gas or insurance coverage; according to Bijan, the deal set off “a fire storm on social media”, and people were in love with this deal

   

2. CJ Stroud – Ohio State University Football Partner: Sarchione Auto Gallery (June 2022)

    Terms: Free lease with the option to swap vehicles every 45-60 days 

   Additional Details: Stroud opted to drive a $200,000 Mercedes G-Wagon; Stroud was responsible for insurance, partial coverage provided by the dealership

   

3. Zay Flowers – Boston College Football Partner: McGovern Auto (April 2022)

   Terms: Free lease of a Silver X6M BMW throughout Flowers' time at Boston College (approximate value of $90,000)

   Additional Details: No mileage limit, free maintenance, and car washes; Flowers responsible for insurance and gas expenses

   

4. Bryce Thompson – Oklahoma State Basketball Partner: Bill Knight Ford of Tulsa (August 2021)

    Terms: Lease of an orange Ford Mustang

   Additional Details: Thompson required to have his own car insurance as per Oklahoma state law

5. TyTy Washington - University of Kentucky Basketball Partner: Blue Grass Motorsport Porsche (October 2021)

    Terms: Ambassadors' role with the dealership, unclear if car ownership is included

   Additional Details: No confirmation on car ownership; Washington opted for a Porsche Cayenne SUV which typically sells for $80k

6. Anthony Richardson – University of Florida Football Partner: Gainesville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (November 2021)

   Terms: 2021 Dodge SUV or equivalent, option to exchange every three to six months

   Additional Details: Richardson faced a speeding incident in the vehicle, no longer driving it

NIL car deals present exciting opportunities for college athletes, providing them with unique compensation and benefits beyond monetary payments. Understanding the intricacies of these agreements is vital for all parties involved. While each deal varies, the examples mentioned here shed light on the structure and key aspects of NIL car deals. By delving into the logistics, athletes, agents, and parents can navigate these agreements with greater knowledge and confidence.